Calgary Flames' Trade Deadline Moves: Rules & Flexibility

0:00For the Calgary Flames, it's March 5th, and here's what's going on. The National Hockey League trade deadline hits this Friday at 1 p.m. mountain time, and any players picked up by then can suit up for the playoffs. For the Calgary Flames, they're juggling a bunch of rules to stay compliant. Right now, they've got 22 players on the active roster, including two goalies, seven defensemen and 13 forwards, with three more on. They've got tons of salary cap space too, about $47 million worth, thanks to pass moves and some long-term injury relief options. The Flames have already used two of their three retained salary slots on deals for Jacob Markstrom and Rasmus Anderson, leaving one open for potential trades where they could hold back up to 50% of a player's pay. Roster tweaks come with limits, like only five regular recalls from the miners after the deadline, and they can add up to five new contracts since. They're 45 right now. Wavre exempt forward, Mott Bay-Gridden, is their main option to shuttle to the AHL without

1:03issues, but the team sees him as an NHL guy and might keep him. Up top. New rules this year mean players sent down to the miners must play an AHL game before being recalled, which could snag paper transactions on deadline. Today, that affects AHL playoff eligibility too, as NHL roster guys need to be on an AHL team by Friday to play there later. Overall, the Flames look set to stand pat unless trades force call-ups, may be bringing up a prospect like Hunter Brazusta, which is if they move A. Defencement, plenty of flexibility, but they'll play it smart to avoid headaches down the stretch. This episode is proudly sponsored by our partner, What is cooler than cool, a pillow that plays your sound, S-O-L-I, solely pillow.com.